DMK Removes Minister K Ponmudi from Party Post Over Controversial Remarks

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has removed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudi from his post as Deputy General Secretary following public outrage over his controversial and vulgar remarks linking Hindu religious tilaks to sexual positions.

At a recent public event, Ponmudi made a joke that compared the Shaivite ‘pattai’ and Vaishnavite ‘naamam’ tilaks to sexual positions, prompting widespread condemnation across political and public spheres. The video of the speech went viral, with criticism pouring in from various quarters, including party leaders.

Senior DMK leader and MP Kanimozhi publicly condemned Ponmudi’s speech, calling it “unacceptable” and “condemnable regardless of the reason.” The DMK responded swiftly by relieving Ponmudi of his key party position and replacing him with senior leader Tiruchi N Siva.

Actor and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar questioned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s stance on the matter, demanding stronger action and accusing the party of disrespecting Hindu beliefs and women. Singer Chinmayi Sripaada and BJP’s Amit Malviya also criticized the normalization of such statements, calling it part of a pattern of disrespect towards Hindu traditions.

The DMK reiterated its commitment to upholding secular values and respect for all religious sentiments, emphasizing that individual statements that hurt public or religious sentiment will not be tolerated.